Finding low-competition, high-potential keywords is the fastest way to boost organic traffic. Here’s a proven strategy to uncover "easy wins" for your SEO campaign.
1. Target Long-Tail Keywords (3-5 Words)
Why?
Lower competition (fewer authoritative pages).
Higher intent (users closer to buying).
How to Find Them:
Use Google Autocomplete (type your main keyword + letters a-z).
Check "People Also Ask" and "Related Searches" in Google.
Tools: AnswerThePublic, KeywordTool.io.
Example:
Main Keyword: "best running shoes" (high competition).
Easy Long-Tail: "best running shoes for flat feet women" (easier to rank).
2. Look for Low Keyword Difficulty (KD) Scores
Ideal KD: < 30 (Ahrefs/Semrush) or < 50 (Moz).
How to Check:
Ahrefs Keyword Explorer → Filter by "KD < 20".
Semrush Keyword Magic Tool → Sort by "Low Difficulty".
Ubersuggest → Free KD score (0-100 scale).
Pro Tip:
Even if KD is low, check the top-ranking pages’ backlinks (if they have 50+ links, it’s not truly "easy").
3. Find "Question" Keywords
Why?
Google prioritizes FAQ snippets (Position 0).
Users love direct answers (low bounce rate).
How to Find Them:
Search "your keyword + question words" (how, why, what, best).
Tools: AlsoAsked.com, Ahrefs’ "Questions" report.
Example:
"How to clean white shoes without bleach"
"Why does my cat meow at night"
4. Target Low Domain Authority (DA) Competitors
Why?
If top-ranking pages have DA < 30, you can outrank them faster.
How to Check:
Search your keyword on Google.
Analyze top 5 pages with MozBar (free Chrome extension).
If most have DA < 30, it’s a good target.
Example:
Keyword: "how to fix squeaky floorboards"
Top pages: DA 15-25 → Easy to beat.
5. Look for High-CPC Keywords (Low Competition Hack)
Why?
High Cost-Per-Click (CPC) = High commercial intent.
Many advertisers ignore these (less SEO competition).
How to Find Them:
Google Ads Keyword Planner → Filter "Low Competition" + High CPC.
SEMrush → "Keyword Gap" tool (find gaps vs. competitors).
Example:
"Best ergonomic keyboard for programmers" (CPC: $5+, low competition).
6. Find "Low Content Quality" Opportunities
Why?
If top-ranking pages have thin content, you can outrank them with better content.
How to Check:
Search your keyword.
Check if top pages:
Are short (< 800 words).
Have poor formatting (no headings, images).
Are outdated (published 3+ years ago).
Example:
Keyword: "how to store fresh basil"
Top page: 300 words, no images → Easy to outrank with a 1,500-word guide.
7. Use "SERP Gap Analysis" (Steal Competitors’ Easy Keywords)
Why?
Find keywords your competitors rank for but you don’t.
How to Do It:
Ahrefs/SEMrush → Enter competitor’s domain.
Go to "Top Keywords" → Filter by "Low KD".
Find keywords where they rank #5-20 (easier to overtake).
Example:
Competitor ranks #12 for "best budget DSLR camera" (KD: 25).
You can create better content and push it to top 5.